Herndon 2025 Preview

Herndon’s football program has made the playoffs three straight years, and after last season’s run to the Region Semifinals—where they fell to Westfield—the bar remains high. The Hornets now enter a new era under head coach Josh Richards, who takes over after serving as the team’s defensive coordinator. With a strong foundation already in place and a defense returning most of its firepower, Herndon is aiming to stay right in the thick of the Liberty District race.

“Taking over has been a journey,” Richards said. “I’m learning as I go, but the transition has been good. I like the direction we’re heading.” The early signs are promising—most of the coaching staff remains intact, team chemistry is building, and offseason workouts have been elevated with a focus on bonding and toughness.

Herndon knows the path won’t be easy. “That’s expected,” Richards said. “We’ve made the playoffs three years in a row now.” This year’s team is younger and less experienced, and the program is looking to replace some heavy hitters—most notably Brayden Humpherys, who was one of the team’s most dynamic contributors. “He was a major loss to our program,” Richards said. Humpherys made plays all over the field and brought leadership that will be hard to replicate.

To prepare, Herndon played a number of underclassmen last season, and that experience is expected to pay off. Especially on defense, where the entire defensive line returns—a rare luxury. That group includes Nana Appouh, Braylon Bates, forming a physical, disruptive front that will be the strength of the team. “DLine will be strong. We’re going to be scrappy,” Richards said.

On the offensive side, David Castillo will carry the load at running back and is expected to be the focal point of a retooled, more explosive scheme. Herndon is shifting toward a more wide-open attack to highlight speed and space, and while the execution may take a few games to sharpen, the upside is there.

This group won’t just be judged by wins early in the year. “We want to build confidence and consistency,” Richards said. “That’s how we get better through the season.” He’s looking for the little things—effort, execution, and players who respond when things get tough.

With a new head coach who already knows the system and a defense that’s ready to go from day one, Herndon looks poised to stay right in the postseason mix—and maybe take it even further.